Railway operator CP orders Ballard fuel cells for hydrogen locomotive plan

Canada’s Ballard Power Systems Inc (TSE:BLDP) will provide fuel cell modules for a hydrogen locomotive programme developed by railway operator Canadian Pacific (TSE:CP).

The purpose of the particular programme is to develop North America’s first hydrogen-powered line-haul freight locomotive by retrofitting a formerly diesel-powered locomotive with Ballard hydrogen fuel cells, the announcement explains.

Ballard will deliver six of its 200-kW fuel cell modules to CP this year for a total power capacity of 1.2 MW. The cells will work with battery technology to power the locomotive’s electric traction motors.

“This technology holds the possibility of eliminating emissions from freight train operations, which already represent the most efficient method of moving goods over land,” commented Keith Creel, president and CEO of CP.

The operator plans to carry out rail service trials and qualification testing as part of the project.

Ballard offers zero-emission polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells used in the electrification of buses, commercial trucks, trains, marine vessels, passenger cars and forklift trucks.

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